Alternative Windows

Sue Lawrence · Expert Member Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 463

I have a possible job to make curtains for a caravan. Does anyone know the rules and regs about fire retardancy etc. ?

Thanks,
Sue.

Louise · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject:

I wonder if this is like a house where for personal use they don't have to be fire retardant but if it is going to be hired to the public they do?

There are a few sites that supply furnishings for caravans and they mention all their fabrics are fire retardant - e.g. http://www.cbscc.co.uk/caravan_and_boat/seat_covers.html

There is also mention of caravans in the fire safety regulations http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1988/Uksi_19881324_en_1.htm (could be useful if you suffer from insomnia......!)

Ali · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:29 am Post subject:

I would want to know if it is let out on a commercial basis because fire retardancy would be essential.

If not then it would be personal choice. We have a static van for personal use only and I have made ordinary new curtains for it.

Sue Lawrence · Expert Member Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 463

Thanks, I believe it is for their personal use only. I will check. I would not want to supply the wrong thing. From a moral point of view not business.

Sue.

Karendg · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:41 pm Post subject:

As curtain makers, and in many cases suppliers of fabrics & materials, who’s responsible for ensuring curtains are completely fire-retardant where necessary, the caravan owner or us?

How does it affect us if the owner/manager of a public place provides a non fire-retardant fabric for making up?

Who should actually be ‘requesting’ the fire-retardancy??

Thank you for any comments.

Louise · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:01 pm Post subject:

I think I read somewhere that it is the responsibility of the owner of the house/building/ caravan (?) who is renting it out to ensure fire regulations are observed. Not sure if it includes curtains but it does upholstery.

Had a little nose around and there is some interesting info here

http://www.alternative-windows.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=944&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=fire

Louise · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject:

Couldn't resist further research and found this leaflet from West Yorks Fire Service which has some clear info on furnishings incl. curtains - which do not seem to be covered by the regulations.

http://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/new/fireSafety/pans/FS-PAN035-FurnitureFurnishings.pdf

curtaingirl · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

From what I have been informed this week from my local caravan company. Curtains in caravan should be flame proofed for safety reasons. My customers are informed to have the curtains flame proofed this is for their safety and to cover my own back as i'm the one making them. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Also i've altered manufactured standard curtains for caravans and they were flame proofed.
Hope this helps

Sue Lawrence · Expert Member Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 463

FYI the ones being sold on E-Bay were not flame retardent, and I was advised by the seller to spray them if I was worried! (I was posing as a potential buyer).

Think I will stick to my gut instinct and ensure they are flame retardent. As a matter of interest this client was a no-show anyway, but the info will be useful for the future. Think I worried them with my queries and they could see pound signs before their very eyes.

Sue.

Louise · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject:

thanks for the feedback - interesting for future use. If your customers are anything like mine, you never know what they will come up with next!

Karen · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject: Curtain Tracks for Caravans

I can suggest the correct track for caravans - Silent Gliss 1012
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Curtain Poles and Tracks
www.poledesign.co.uk